From the world's leading Dead Sea Scrolls scholar; Geza Vermes' The Story of the Scrolls: The Miraculous Discovery and True Significance of the Dead Sea Scrolls is an ideal introduction to understanding these ancient documents. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in Qumran; between 1947 and 1956; was one of the greatest archeological finds of all time. Written in Hebrew; Aramaic; and Greek; and hidden in caves by an ancient Jewish sect; these mysterious manuscripts revolutionized our understanding of the Bible; of Judaism; and of the early Christian world. Geza Vermes's English translations brought these extraordinary documents to thousands; and his life has been inextricably interwoven with the scrolls for more than 60 years. In The Story of the Scrolls; Vermes relates the controversial story of their discovery and publication around the world; revealing cover-ups; blunders; and academic in-fighting; but also the passion and dedication of many of those involved. He shares what he has learned about the scrolls and; evaluating passages from them; gives his views on their true significance and what they can teach us; as well as those areas where scholarly consensus has not yet been reached.
#1746730 in Books 2006-10-31 2006-10-31Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 7.71 x .80 x 5.05l; .50 #File Name: 0141017031304 pages
Review
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. An important book on the age of Jesus; now available on KindleBy Marius GabrielI have this book in its original hardback edition; but I bought the Kindle version as well to have as a handy reference. My own historical novel The Testament Of Marcellus is set in the period of Jesus; and I found myself turning again and again to Vermes' balanced; wise judgements in forming my own portraits of Jesus; Pilate; Herod and other New Testament figures.This is exactly what it says it is -- a Who's Who; and not a narrative. The personalities of the age of Jesus are set out in alphabetical order; so that each can be looked up. As usual; Vermes confines himself to analyzing contemporary sources and avoids the temptation to fill out the blanks with speculation.Vermes was the foremost authority on the Dead Sea Scrolls; and spent a lifetime studying; translating and publishing them. His knowledge of the literature of the period was unrivalled.That makes this an invaluable reference aid for those interested in the period of the New Testament.Having said that; I also find it fascinating to page through the book moving from reference to reference.Highly recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great read and resourceBy S. Edwin RufenerThis is an invaluable piece of scholarship from a serious historian for reference or for reading. In alphabetical order; Vermes offers a brief (although he treats some in more detail) biographical summary pertaining to individuals of significance in Jesus' context. This is a great resource for any individual (trained or otherwise) who desires to have an overview of Jesus' religious and secular contemporaries and have a more thorough understanding of Jesus' cultural backdrop.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. A great deal of information hereBy BikepoetA great deal of information here; in focusing on these people; Vermes gives us a particularly sharp view of the world that Jesus lived in. The way that it is arranged; alphabetically; makes for easy; quick use as a reference.
